Web-Based Application for Reducing Methamphetamine Use Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Substance use treatment
• Indigenous health

Background:

• Digital interventions can overcome barriers to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• The "We Can Do This" app was developed to support methamphetamine cessation and improve well-being.
• Culturally appropriate digital tools are needed to address substance use challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the "We Can Do This" web app.
• To assess its impact on methamphetamine use and psychosocial well-being.
• To determine its viability as a treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Main Methods:

• A randomized waitlist controlled trial was conducted.
• Participants were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people using methamphetamine weekly.
• The study assessed methamphetamine use, dependence, distress, and help-seeking behavior over 3 months.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in methamphetamine use or psychosocial outcomes between the app group and the waitlist control.
• Participant adherence to the web app was poor, with only 20% returning after initial login.
• Low follow-up rates (54-63%) limited the evaluation's power.

Conclusions:

• The
• We Can Do This
• web app showed poor engagement and no significant effect on methamphetamine use or well-being.
• Low adherence and follow-up rates hindered the assessment of the app's effectiveness.
• Future digital interventions must prioritize strategies to enhance participant engagement and retention for this population.